Sunday, July 20, 2014

Monte Brooks, Thankful For - 2048

The head coach was thankful for the opportunity the small Christian school gave him to teach his players about God and about baseball, according to the school's Web site.

"I have truly enjoyed the relationships with
so many faithful players and assistant coaches who have labored
alongside me," Brooks said, according to the site. "They have been a tremendous influence in my life and have
left an indelible impression on me. My deepest gratitude to the Lord for
all the success He has brought to the baseball program."

Brooks went to The Master's College after a professional playing career where he saw time in four seasons. He never made AA. But he did go on to his long career as a coach.

Brooks' career began in 1987, taken by the Padres in the 24th round of the draft, out of San Jose State University.

With the Padres, Brooks switched positions. He played outfield in college out of his coach's concerns over his range. The Padres, though, moved him back to the infield, according to The Spokane Chronicle.

Brooks started at short-season Spokane. He hit .257 in 52 games, knocking in 28. He singled in a run in a June game and knocked in a run in a late-August game, also on a single.

In another August game, Brooks went 2 for 5, with two RBI. It was a game his Spokane team won by a score of 19-4.

Soon after his playing career ended, Brooks was at The Master's College as a volunteer assistant coach. By 2010, he was celebrating his 16th season as head coach. He told the school's site then that he saw his job as a ministry "in every way."

"Our coaching staff teaches, trains,
admonishes, equips, edifies, and confronts sin. In other words we
disciple, mentor and, hopefully, model our Lord Jesus Christ," Brooks told the site. "Baseball
is an excellent venue to educate these young men in God's Word. Our
overall desire is for them to be godly men."